Inheritance (24 page)

Moving into the sitting room, he ran his hands admiringly over the fireplace while surreptitiously studying the painting hanging above. Yes, the first name was definitely Arthur. He couldn’t read the surname but it was long and started with a T. He must let Stella know as soon as possible. He carried the empty bottle back to the kitchen and placed it on the sink.

‘Thanks for a great day, babe.’ He bent and kissed her quickly on the lips.

Rosie seemed surprised to see him so cheerful.

‘See you soon,’ he said and clattered down the stairs jauntily.

On leaving Yallandoo, Ben made a call to Stella on his mobile phone and then turned the car towards Cairns. Stella was waiting for him in the Gallery.

‘So, what have you found out?’ she asked him.

‘Well, I managed to have a look inside the house today and there’re heaps of oil paintings.’

‘Who were they painted by?’

‘I had to be careful because I was being watched, but I was able to see one of them clearly and I could make out that the first name was definitely ‘Arthur’. It was difficult to read the surname but it started with a “T”.’

‘Ah!’ Stella’s face lit up. ‘Would you recognise the signature if you saw it again?’

‘Yes, I’m pretty sure I would.’

‘Come over here, then.’ Stella led him across the room to where a landscape hung. ‘Look at this signature. Is it the same?’

‘Yes, that’s it.’

‘You’re sure?’

‘Absolutely certain. It’s sort of scrawly, with a bit of a flourish here,’ he pointed.

‘Wonderful!’ At her delight, a spurt of excitement shot through Ben. ‘Could you see how many others had that signature?’

‘No, I couldn’t let on I was interested in them.’

‘Do you think you can get inside to have a better look?’

‘I don’t know. Probably tricky.’

‘Hmm…how many paintings were there altogether?’

‘I counted nine that I could see, six in the hall and one in each of three rooms that had their doors open.’

‘And you think they were all paintings, not prints?’

‘The ones in the hall certainly were, and the one over the fireplace, that was the one with that signature, but I can’t be sure about the other two.’

‘If those were originals, chances are the others are, too.’ Stella stood thinking for a moment. ‘I don’t think Cassie would have any idea of their worth.’

‘How much are they worth?’

‘Tubitjara’s paintings have gone through the roof since he died, they’d have to be worth a hundred thousand each — minimum!’

Ben whistled, really excited now. This was about big money. ‘And what about the others, if they’re by someone else?’

‘I can’t say without seeing them. But if they’re by aboriginal artists, and I’m fairly sure they are if my information’s correct, then they could be worth quite a bit. I’ll have to see Cassie soon and see if I can buy them before she realises what she has hanging on her walls.’

Ben’s breathing quickened as his excitement mounted. ‘What if you didn’t have to buy them? What if you could get them for nothing?’

Stella’s eyes narrowed. ‘What do you have in mind?’

‘What if I can get them for you without you having to pay for them?’

‘You mean steal them?’

‘That’s not a nice word. Let’s say I could…acquire them for you, without you having to pay for them?’

‘If you can do that,’ she purred, ‘then I would give you twenty per cent of what I sell them for. Less expenses, of course.’

Ben’s eyes narrowed. It was worth more than that. ‘No. Fifty-fifty.’

‘I couldn’t do that! The contacts are mine; you’d never be able to sell them yourself. Besides, I have a partner.’

‘A partner?’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘I thought this was all your place.’

‘A silent partner, sort of. At least for this deal.’

‘Well then, you’d better go and see Cassie. Looks like we can’t do business.’ He took a few steps across the room. ‘See you around.’

‘No, wait! You drive a hard bargain. How do I know you can deliver?’

‘I’ll get them all right. It might take a while, I’ll have to pick my time, but I’ll get them. Do you want all of them, or only those by Tubitjara?’

‘You’d better bring them all. I can’t tell until I see the others what they’re worth, but it has to be something.’

‘So, it’s fifty-fifty?’

‘No. A third is the best I can do. But expenses will have to come out of your share.’

‘No way, we split the profit, otherwise no deal.’ A third would still be big dough! ‘Okay, three ways, after expenses.’

‘All right.’ She gave in grudgingly. ‘When do you think you’ll be able to do it?’

‘It might be a while. I’ll have to pick a time when no one’s around.’

‘Yes, all right. Now, what about the other things we talked about. Have you seen any caves or places where aboriginal relics are likely to be hidden?’

‘Have I seen any caves?’ He spoke with feeling, remembering his day. ‘Yes. I was out in the heat today climbing up hills and checking out caves. I saw aboriginal paintings in one but that was all.’

‘Ah.’ Stella sounded pleased. ‘That means there’s been a strong indigenous presence in the area. There must be a burial place somewhere nearby. It’ll be well hidden. You’ll have to look in places that are not easy to reach and the openings won’t be obvious. Probably hidden behind rocks or trees. Maybe only a small crack in the side of a hill that would have to be widened for entry.’

‘Sounds easy!’ Ben said sarcastically.

‘I know it won’t be easy. If it was, I’d do it myself. But think of the rewards. I told you, it could be worth millions, depending on what you find. Wealth beyond our wildest dreams!’

Ben licked his lips. This was really big-time! ‘Fifty-fifty, or is your partner involved in this too?’

‘Yes.’

‘So it’s thirds?’

‘Yes. But a third of millions.’

Ben smiled, ecstatic at the prospect. ‘Then I’d best get on with it.’ He turned to leave.

‘Wait. If you find it,
don’t touch anything
! Leave everything exactly as you find it. We’ll have to be extremely careful removing anything to keep it undisturbed. There are ways to do this. You just take notice of every detail and come and tell me. This is most important!’

‘Why? So you can go in and take the lot?’

‘Don’t be ridiculous! I’ll need you to help me get the stuff back here; I just don’t want it disturbed before I get there. It will be very fragile.’

‘You sound very sure it’s there to be found.’

‘I am.’

‘Let’s hope you’re right. See you, then.’

‘Keep in touch.’

‘I will.’ Ben’s nonchalant manner hid an elation he could hardly suppress.

He walked out with a spring in his step. What was it she’d said? Wealth beyond our wildest dreams! He’d always wanted to be a big-shot.

***

Three weeks passed before Cassie heard from Gary again. Three weeks of worrying. When he finally rang, he sounded jubilant.

‘It’s all right, Cassie, approval’s come through. When the council saw your figures relating to the rainforest and realised what a small amount of the total we’d be using, they gave it the rubber stamp.’

‘Great!’ Relief swept through Cassie. ‘Did you find out anything about this Cliff Thompson who lodged the objection? I wonder what interest he had. Is he a member of an environmental group, do you know?’

‘It doesn’t appear so. Seems like he’s just a private bloke who got a bee in his bonnet. Happens, you know.’

‘He lives quite a way from here. I don’t understand why he was so concerned.’

‘Nor do I. However, we have approval now, so we can get moving.’

‘Wonderful! How soon can you start?’

‘I’ll arrange for the grader and tractor today and we can start clearing right away, tomorrow. How would that suit you?’

‘That’ll be fine. Thanks for calling, Gary. See you then.’

***

The machinery arrived soon after daybreak. Everyone on Yallandoo turned out to watch the operation. It seemed as if the heart was being ripped out of the forest but in reality only as many trees as was absolutely necessary were being removed. First, the track needed levelling, the protruding roots and bumps flattened and logs and fallen branches removed. Next, they cleared an area alongside the old cedar tree, where they planned to build the lodge. Gary explained that this clearing would provide an area for the materials to be placed when they were delivered, ready for use.

One by one the watchers drifted away, to breakfast and to work. Mark arrived, and after greeting Cassie warmly, he stood with her watching the grader at work.

Cassie turned to him. ‘I can see that I’m going to be doing a lot of walking back and forwards while the building’s happening. I really need one of those little carts like you have at Binbin. I must arrange to get one.’

‘It may take a while for delivery. I have a spare one I won’t be using until the resort’s open. Why don’t I loan it to you?’

‘That’s very kind of you but…I don’t feel I should be using yours.’

‘I insist.’ Mark spoke firmly. ‘I’ll have it delivered today.’

‘Well, thank you.’ Cassie smiled up at him. ‘It will really be most welcome.’

‘My pleasure.’ He took her hand and squeezed it gently with an answering smile. ‘And now I have a favour to ask you.’

‘What is it?’

‘Gemma would like to come over to see the joey again. Would that be possible?’

‘Of course. I told her before, she’s welcome any time. She doesn’t need to wait to be asked.’

‘Then I’ll bring her back with me later today with the buggy.’

‘The only thing is…’ Cassie hesitated, wrinkling her brow. ‘Larry will probably be here.’

‘That’s all right. As I told you, I realise it’s good for her to be aware of other cultures and their ideas. It’s not a problem.’

‘I’m happy to hear you say that!’ Cassie was relieved; it seemed as if that bone of contention wouldn’t crop up again. They both stayed watching the work until Cassie decided it was time for her to go. Mark walked with her, back to where their cars were parked at the edge of the forest.

‘I’ll see you later today,’ he told her as they parted company.

After lunch, he arrived with the buggy in the back of a ute and Gemma in the seat alongside him. Gemma jumped out and ran over to Cassie and gave her a hug, her face beaming.

‘Thank you for letting me come to see Hoppy, and Daddy said Larry might be here too. I hope so. He’s my friend!’

‘I think he’ll be here. He often comes over after school. Hoppy’s pen’s outside now. You can go and talk to him if you like, and if you get hot, go inside and ask Lorna for a cold drink.’

‘Thank you, Cassie.’ Off Gemma ran.

‘She’s a very good child,’ Cassie told Mark as she watched him unloading the buggy.

‘She has her moments. She can be difficult at times, but when she’s happy, she’s fine. She likes you. Now, let’s make sure this starts all right after the trip over.’ He clambered into the buggy and turned the switch. ‘There you are,’ he said as it purred into life. ‘Now you hop in and we’ll go for a spin.’ Turning the motor off, he slid across the seat. ‘You drive!’

Cassie started up and headed off towards the rainforest. ‘What a great little toy,’ she laughed as she drove slowly across the paddock.

‘If Gemma can drive it, I thought you’d be able to do nearly as well. I didn’t realise you’d be so frightened you wouldn’t be able to go at more than a snail’s pace,’ he teased.

‘Beast,’ she shot at him. She pushed the pedal down to its limit, causing the machine to bump and sway as they sped across the rough ground.

‘Hey,’ he laughed, feigning alarm as he jolted around on the seat, ‘You’ll give your guests a heart attack if this is the way you treat them. Whoa, you nearly lost me then!’ He made a
great show of gripping the grab handle as she wheeled around and turned full circle a couple of times before coming to a halt outside the forest. They were both laughing.

‘No need for a fun park with you at the wheel. Just put the kids in with you and that’ll be all the thrills they need for the day!’ Mark grinned at her. ‘I’ll bring another one over one day and we’ll have a race.’

‘You’re on. Bet I can beat you!’

‘What do you bet?’

‘Let’s see.’ She thought for a moment. ‘I know. If I win, you have to clean out Hoppy’s pen every day for a week and if you win, I’ll…’

He interrupted her. ‘If I win, you’ll take me to swim in your rock pool as you’ve promised.’

‘You’re on!’

Both laughing, they continued at a more sedate pace along the track to where the clearing was still under way. They sat and watched the work for a while before returning to the homestead.

Here they found Gemma and Larry in conversation as they both sat inside the pen with the joey, under the shade of a large tree.

‘I gave Hoppy his bottle again, Daddy,’ Gemma called out as she saw them approach. ‘Lorna said he doesn’t need as much milk as he used to because he eats grass now. He’s grown a lot, just look at him! But he still has to have some milk. Lorna said I can come over whenever I want to feed him. Can I come again tomorrow, please?’

Mark looked questioningly at Cassie. ‘I don’t want her to become a nuisance.’

‘She won’t be a nuisance. I told you, she can come whenever she likes.’

‘Tomorrow afternoon, when Larry’s here, please Daddy. Please!’

‘Very well, but you can’t come every day.’ He turned to Cassie. ‘I don’t want her to wear out her welcome.’

‘That won’t happen, she’s no bother. Now, will you stay for coffee? Or would you rather have a cold drink? It’s so hot again.’

‘A cold drink, please. If only the rain’d come, it’d clear the air.’ They both looked up at the overcast sky.

Cassie sighed. ‘It keeps promising, but it never comes. Sit up here on the verandah, Mark. I’ll get the drinks.’

They sat over their drinks idly chatting as they watched the children play with their pet.

‘He’s really coming on well,’ Cassie commented, ‘and he certainly recognises Gemma, he follows her.’

‘She and Larry seem to get on well, too.’

Cassie looked at him sharply. His face was as calm as his words. It seemed that he harboured no angry feelings towards the boy. She was pleased. When Mark rose to go, she responded to the pressure of his hand on hers.